1
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
food was a bit scarce last winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
help is always scarce in the resort town during the busy summer season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scarce
Some housing activists also question whether using scarce public dollars to pay for mixed-income housing will yet again shortchange those who most need governmental assistance – namely, the poor.
—
Susanne Schindler, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Mellinger said public health funding has historically been scarce because of the desire for quick results, a culture that clashes inherently with preventative health care.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
The invitations were so scarce that at least one Tesla influencer, a person named Omar who goes by the pseudonym Whole Mars Catalog, offered to share rides for $10.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 5 July 2025
But area foot traffic has been scarce, and Wilson worries visitors have no reason to pass through town.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
Susanne Schindler, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Mellinger said public health funding has historically been scarce because of the desire for quick results, a culture that clashes inherently with preventative health care.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
The invitations were so scarce that at least one Tesla influencer, a person named Omar who goes by the pseudonym Whole Mars Catalog, offered to share rides for $10.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 5 July 2025
But area foot traffic has been scarce, and Wilson worries visitors have no reason to pass through town.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
-
Berrios, Cracraft and Dubose were sparse contributors last season because of injuries and the fact Malik Washington emerged as Miami’s slot receiver and primary returner.—
Omar Kelly
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
-
At a tournament where much of the focus has been on sparse attendances, Madrid have got bigger crowds than anyone, drawing an average of 67,247.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some other discounts may seem impressive on the surface, but have consistently poor ratings or only a few sizes in stock.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
-
This last group is those with still poor (<50) RS Ratings, but strong (>80) 3-month RS Ratings. a.—
Randy Watts,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
But the data remains woefully insufficient to conclude what long-term exposure means for individuals, especially for vulnerable groups such as children or those with respiratory problems.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Among other issues, the board cited inadequate inventory of unexploded ordnance and insufficient inventory of ancient burials and associated artifacts.—
Audrey McAvoy,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 July 2025
-
Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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What began as a clinical workaround in the face of inadequate training has helped fuel a national crisis driven by multiple complex factors, with human costs that are still mounting.—
Hany Demian,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Several after-action reports from the massive protests in 2020 found glaring problems in the department’s handling of the demonstrations, concluding that poor planning, inadequate training and inconsistent leadership within the department contributed to disorder in the streets.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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